Live art at Liverpool Museum

Speed portraits are exactly what you think they are, pictures of faces drawn at speed.

I'm not a caricaturist, I don't draw people with massive ears and big noses, but what I do like is to give them a special moment. It's not just about the picture, it's also about making folks feel comfortable who want to sit for a portrait but don't like being stared at. Tricky thing, and that's where I use my comedy voice, chat and put folks at ease.

Speed portraits

The questions I get asked most often from events folks is "how many people can you draw?" or "Can you draw everyone at our event?"

Well, it depends on who is in the room. Five bald men take less time to draw than 5 people with beards, flowing locks and headwear, but I generally get through everyone who wants to be drawn. Some folks don't. There's a balance between creating a good quality portrait fast and rushing to get everyone done, and that's unique to each event.

These photos were taken at the Liverpool Museum, Art Battle Manchester and other events around the UK. I'll be doing speed portraits at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024

At the beginning of 2023, I was invited to join TEDx Warrington's speaker team.

Joining organiser and networking superhero Kirsty James and a lovely select bunch to watch submissions from this year's candidates, and offer my input as a comedian and former TEDx speaker.

It's been fascinating watching all the videos and hearing potential candidates share their ideas. People's stories from so many different backgrounds and personal experiences, all wanting to share their ideas on the red dot.

I've taught stand-up comedy skills for many years, and while humour is only one aspect of a TEDx talk, coaching people with what they want to say, and how they say it so is something I have a lot of experience in doing effectively. Turning a waffly 20 into a tight 10, so to speak.

It's all under wraps right now so I can't possibly tell you who will be speaking and what about, but there are some fascinating talks this year, it promises to be an amazing night full of ideas, emotion and learning.

TEDx Warrington 2023 is on November 16th.

Stand up, speak up!

Are you looking to improve your performance skills, get better with advanced presenting or add humour to a talk? If you want to hold an audience in the palm of your hand, I can help with online and face-to-face training.

John Cooper
Comedian & artist.
2024
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